Northwestern Local School District’s 7.32-mill, five-year substitute was approved by voters Tuesday, according to final, unofficial results.
Voters approved the levy 52 percent to 48 percent, according to the Clark County Board of Elections.
The levy generates nearly $1.7 million for the district annually, Superintendent Jesse Steiner said, which is about 11 percent of the district’s operating budget.
“We are so thankful for our voters,” Steiner said. “We’re excited for the future. This helps us to maintain what we are doing.”
More than 64 percent of voters rejected the same levy in November. The district felt voters may have previously been confused about the wording and worked hard this time around to communicate that a substitute levy is just like a renewal in that is does not raise taxes.
Salem Township roads
A Salem Township roads levy failed by four votes, according to final, unofficial results in Champaign County.
The five-year, 2.9-mill tax levy for road construction, resurfacing and repair failed 388 votes to 384.
But Champaign County Board of Elections Director Kathy Meyer said close races may change due to outstanding or provisional ballots. There are at least eight such ballots in the Salem Township voting precinct.
Official results will be released on March 28.
It will not be known if close races require a recount until then, Meyer said.
The township has tried to pass similar measures in the past, most recently in November.
The tax would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $100 annually.
Urbana City Schools
Urbana City School District’s 14.8-mill renewal levy passed 52 percent to 48 percent, according to final, unofficial results. The levy generates about $2.2 million annually.
West Liberty-Salem Schools
West Liberty-Salem Local School District voters in Champaign and Logan counties voted to renew a one percent income tax for current expenses set to expire at the end of 2016. It was approved 55 percent to 45 percent according to final, unofficial results.
The tax will be renewed for three years and generates about $1.3 million for the district annually, or about 50 percent of the district’s local funding.
“Obviously we are pleased,” said Superintendent Kraig Hissong. “It’s definitely a big chunk… we need it.”
Green Township
Green Township voters were asked to vote on two renewal levies, both for emergency services.
The 5-year, .5-mill levy was approved by more than 68 percent of voters. The 5-year, 1-mill levy was approved by more than 66 percent, according to unofficial results.
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